Autumn is known for many wonderful things, like pumpkin spice lattes, fuzzy sweaters, and Halloween. But unfortunately, the fall season also goes hand-in-hand with excess shedding. While there is no hard scientific evidence behind why your hair might fall out more in the autumn, there are a few very plausible theories.
First, you have to understand the growth cycle of hair:
Like a tree’s leaves, your hair goes through a cycle. Hair starts at active growth, then maturation, and later sheds.
The initial, dynamic growth stage is known as the “anagen phase.” This lasts around 2 to 6 years, and your hair grows approximately 1 cm monthly. At any given time, approximately 90 percent of the precious hairs on your head are in this beginning phase.
The maturation phase is called the “catagen phase,” and this one is much shorter than the growth stage. This phase lasts for around 2 to 3 weeks. During this phase, you’ll notice that hair growth has stopped and that the root of the hair begins to shrink. The shrinking root cannot be seen with the naked eye. Experts say that 3 percent of your hair is in the catagen phase at all times.
And the very last stage is the “telogen phase,” which people may refer to as the shedding stage. If you experience excessive or severe hair loss, this phase always feels very discouraging. As a result, inactive hair no longer in the anagen or catagen phase falls out.
So, why do we lose more hair in the autumn?
Seasonal hair loss can also be known as telogen effluvium. This temporary hair loss can be triggered by an event or lifestyle change and lasts approximately 2 to 3 months. If it lasts up to 6 months, it’s considered chronic.
By the time autumn arrives, we tend to have more hair in the telogen phase, which results in more shedding. Many people believe this is connected to intensive sun exposure and radiation during the summer, making it wise to wear a hat and keep your head out of the sun if you’re worried about seasonal hair loss. To protect itself from the sun’s rays, more hair roots move from the growth phase into the resting phase. Then three months later, during the late summer or autumn, these hairs fall out.
We can help
At Eternal Hair & Esthetics, we understand how upsetting hair loss can be. We offer specific hair loss control treatments and hair transplants for women and men, designed to restore your scalp, voluminous hair, and confidence.
For more information on our hair restoration services, click here.
